Thursday, December 07, 2006

7th Day of Christmas - Candles


Have you ever wondered why we put candles in our windows at Christmastime? Actually, I didn't because I've never done it, but now that I've learned about it, I like the idea.

In the 17th century the British conquerors of Ireland tried to rid the land of Irish traditions by implementing harsh laws. These included making it forbidden for the Irish to vote, send their children to school, purchase land, or own a horse worth more than $25. In addition, the Irish priests were driven out of the land and threatened with death if they returned.

Irish families placed a single candle in three windows or three candles in one window on Christmas Eve to represent Joseph, Mary & Jesus. This was a message to traveling priests that the home was a safe haven to come in and share a meal and celebrate "Christ-mass".

Jesus is the Light of the World which shines through the darkness. . .

"and the darkness can never extinguish it." (John 1:5)

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